In the meantime, the volume of traditional publications fell by 4.4% to over 31,200 titles with nearly 461 million copies.

At a recent conference, the authority said 24 out of 57 publishers engaged in e-publishing and distribution, up 26.3% from the previous year, contributing to raising the market share of e-publications to 15.3%, surpassing the set target of 12%. The number is expected to increase to 28 publishing houses this year.

The publishing sector also recorded audio book revenue of 116.1 billion VND (4.65 million USD), exceeding the set plan.

APPD Director General Nguyen Nguyen said that with an increase in the number of e-publication distributors and robust growth of audio books, the Vietnamese e-publication market has caught up with regional and global peers.

The sector has capitalised on advanced technologies like big data and AI in editing and creating audio books so as to better meet the taste of readers, he added.

Laying a stress on the significance of innovation to the publishing sector, Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung said the sector should expand cooperation with technology firms, develop digital infrastructure for publishing houses.

“It is time for the sector to promote innovation for development and open a new chapter for itself. There should be a combination of traditional and digital publication forms”, he underscored.

From the business perspective, CEO of e-book platform Waka Dinh Quang Hoang pointed out that major challenges for businesses include earning money from new technologies and harmonising social values with rational costs to maintain operations.

He suggested publishing firms share data and platforms to save costs.

Bac Giang Provincial Library offers free reading cards

BAC GIANG - Responding to Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day (April 21), from April 1 to May 31, 2024, the Bac Giang Provincial Library will issue free reading cards to readers.

Tet gathering - spreading love

BAC GIANG- Implementing the “Leave no one behind” target on the occasion of Lunar New Year (or Tet), the all-level Women’s Unions in Bac Giang province have promoted Tet-caring activities for poor women, orphans and needy people with a focus on mountainous and ethnic minority areas.

Ho Chi Minh City cafe wows with 3-ton bookshelf

In District 10, a new café boasts a giant bookshelf holding over 3 tons of books, along with vintage decor, attracting visitors with its tranquil ambiance.

French agency releases photo book on Dien Bien Phu campaign

The French Defense Audiovisual Agency (ECPAD) has made public a photo book on the Dien Bien Phu campaign in Vietnam, including never-before-seen images, on the occasion of its 70th anniversary.

Ho Chi Minh City book festival features over 16,000 titles

A book festival known as “Xuyen Viet” will be held at the Ho Chi Minh City Book Street from March 13 to 17, featuring over 16,000 titles offered at discounted prices.

E-book on Party Chief Nguyen Phu Trong’s article released

The Su That (Truth) National Political Publishing House has just launched an e-book entitled “Proud of and Confident in the Glorious Flag of the Party, Determined to Build an Increasingly Prosperous, Civilised and Heroic Vietnam”, which features the full text of an article of the same name by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Source: VNA